Consumers across all age groups actively prioritise their mental health. And they have various ways of doing so; from listening to music and exercising to time outdoors and treating themselves with food and drink. In fact, 57% of global consumers actively seek say they plan to take action to improve their mood in the next 12 months and 45% express interest in supplements that improve mood, highlighting a demand for solutions that provide an added boost.
FMCG Gurus, “Emotional Wellness 2024”, 2024
This shift in nutrition is especially visible in the active nutrition space, where consumers are looking beyond physical performance to holistic benefits that include gut health and mental health. Almost 1 in 4 of consumers globally treat themselves with food or drink to reduce stress
Innova Market Insights, Gen Z and Millennials Mental Health Trends: Global Consumer Insights, 2025
, but what’s the science behind the connection? In this blog, we dive into the complex link between our digestive health and our brain health, or the gut-brain axis – and how it’s shaping how consumers manage their gut health and mental health.
The idea that food can affect our mood is not new, but our understanding of this complex link is evolving.
Who doesn’t like some chocolate or sweets when they need a pick-me-up? And it makes sense; flavours are packed with emotional meanings. But while comfort eating may bring temporary relief, consumers are increasingly looking for functional solutions with proven gut health and mental health benefits. This means functional ingredients that support neurotransmitter balance, reduce inflammation, or nourish the gut are shaping the next wave of gut health trends.
Scientific studies have shown that our diet is closely linked to digestion, immunity, metabolism, but also mood and cognition. This growing awareness is fuelling demand for products that offer both physical and emotional benefits, and it’s opening the door to gut-focused innovation.
Jacka FN et al., “Association between diet quality and mental health in adults” (BMJ, 2014)
Watch this video to learn more about the link between our gut microbiota and health and disease:
At the heart of the food-mood connection lies the gut-brain axis, a complex and dynamic communication system linking the gut microbiota and the brain. This connection operates through multiple pathways, including the nervous system, hormonal signals, immune responses, and gut-derived metabolites, enabling two-way interaction between the gut and the brain.
Cryan JF et al., “The microbiota-gut-brain axis” (Physiol Rev, 2019)
The gut microbiota is a key player in this interaction. During periods of stress, the brain can alter the composition of gut microbes, which may in turn affect gut motility and visceral sensitivity. Think butterflies before a big presentation.
Conversely, changes in the gut microbiota can impact brain function and emotional health through various mechanisms, such as signalling molecules like neurotransmitters, cytokines, hormones and microbial metabolites that influence neural pathways.
Gut health and mental health are truly connected. So how can nutrition brands support consumers who understand the complex gut-brain axis?
Prebiotics, such as galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), are well known for their ability to nourish gut bacteria, such as bifidobacteria. But research is also uncovering the benefits this well-known gut health ingredient can have on mental well-being. Through the gut-brain axis, increased levels of these beneficial microbes have been linked to improved brain health in both preclinical and clinical studies – including reductions in stress and anxiety.
Johnstone N, Milesi C, Burn O, Bogert B, Nauta A, Hart K, Sowden P, Burnet P, Kadosh K. Anxiolytic effects of a galacto-oligosaccharides prebiotic in healthy females (18–25 years) with corresponding changes in gut bacterial composition. (2021) Scientific Reports 2021;11(1) 8302
Johnstone and Cohen Kadosh. Indicators of improved emotion behavior in 6-14-year-old children following a 4-week placebo controlled prebiotic supplement intervention at home with a parent Nutr J. 2025 Mar 1;24(1):34
Johnstone and Cohen Kadosh. A randomised controlled trial of the effects of Galacto-Oligosaccharides on the gut brain-axis of young females. Brain Behav Immun. 2025 Oct;129:573-584
As a leader in prebiotics, we’re at the forefront of research into the gut-brain axis. We recently conducted two studies in adults that showed promising results on how galacto-oligosaccharides may support emotional health. In one study, daily consumption of FrieslandCampina Ingredients’ GOS was shown to improve mental well-being and reduce anxiety levels, while increasing the abundance of beneficial gut microbes.
Johnstone N, Milesi C, Burn O, Bogert B, Nauta A, Hart K, Sowden P, Burnet P, Kadosh K. Anxiolytic effects of a galacto-oligosaccharides prebiotic in healthy females (18–25 years) with corresponding changes in gut bacterial composition. (2021) Scientific Reports 2021;11(1) 8302
Participants who received GOS for gut health became less anxious, especially those who were highly anxious.vi Additionally, they showed a change in their overt behavioural response towards emotional stimuli. The second study confirmed these findings by linking significant changes in GABA, a key inhibitory neurotransmitter, in the brain and faster reaction times in high-anxious women after GOS supplementation.
Johnstone N, Milesi C, Burn O, Bogert B, Nauta A, Hart K, Sowden P, Burnet P, Kadosh K. Anxiolytic effects of a galacto-oligosaccharides prebiotic in healthy females (18–25 years) with corresponding changes in gut bacterial composition. (2021) Scientific Reports 2021;11(1) 8302
All of this positions gut-brain axis GOS as a leading solution in the mental wellness space. But what does our expert think?
To gain insights into the present state of research on the connection between mental health and nutrition, we sat down with Marieke Schoemaker, Translational scientist – Nutrition & Health and Credibility Roadmap Manager at FrieslandCampina.
“Nowadays, consumers are more informed than ever about the latest scientific research, and this awareness is shaping the way they approach diet and mental well-being. This is reflected in the growing demand for functional foods and supplements that support both gut health and mental health.
Apart from emotional well-being, which involves stress, sleep and anxiety, mental health also includes cognitive aspects like focus and memory. However, regardless of the specific area, research suggests that our diet has an impact. And consumers know it.
“One really interesting example of gut health trends and dietary patterns that support the gut-brain axis is the Mediterranean diet. Rich in cereals and nuts, but also in vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids, studies have repeatedly shown that this type of diet is associated with a lower risk of depression.
“When comparing a Mediterranean diet and a more typical Western diet – which tends to contain more sugar and certain fats – the Western diet has a negative impact on brain health. This might be because of inflammatory components that occur more frequently as part of this diet. A recent cross-sectional study involving FrieslandCampina Ingredients suggests that eating well may support cognitive health by positive influencing brain chemistry and structure.
“Beyond dietary patterns, scientists are investigating specific gut-brain axis ingredients that support mental well-being. These include omega-3 fatty acids, prebiotics like galacto-oligosaccharides, B vitamins, probiotics, polyphenols, plant extracts such as Ginkgo biloba, fermented foods and dietary protein. These ingredients can help modulate the gut microbiota, influence neurotransmitter production, and strengthen the connection between the gut and the brain, reinforcing the link between gut health and mental health.”
“Scientists have long observed that our gut and brain seem to communicate – starting with how stress can upset the stomach, followed by the discovery of the enteric nervous system and the role of B vitamins in mental health.
“In recent years, scientists have discovered that gut bacteria can produce brain chemicals like serotonin and GABA, influence inflammation, and even affect behaviour. Findings from multiple studies have led to the idea of the gut-brain axis, where microbiology, neuroscience, and nutrition all come together. This is reflected in a significant increase in publications in the field, both scientific and within the broader food industry.”
“In my opinion, most of what we know is based on preclinical studies or small pilot scale studies. So, I think there’s still a lot of work to be done when it comes to translating these findings to consumers . Better study designs and technology are still being developed today. We’re moving beyond validated questionnaires, for example, to actually measuring what happens in the body, such as studying changes in the brain and gut microbiota by analysing biomarkers to better understand what’s really going on.
“Advanced technologies and statistical techniques will help us to find more concrete evidence, guiding the way for people to make the right dietary choices.”
“Galacto-oligosaccharides are among the most well-established prebiotics on the market, and research increasingly highlights their role in supporting the gut-brain axis. GOS for gut health can modulate the gut microbiota, promoting the production of beneficial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids, including butyrate, and influencing neurotransmitter synthesis. Studies also show that GOS help maintain gut barrier integrity and are linked to immune signalling, impacting several key mechanisms of the gut-brain connection.
“Recently, Prof. Katherine Cohen Kadosh and her research team found that in young women suffering from anxiety, GOS may play a role in modulating neurotransmitters in the brain. The same study suggested that GOS could also benefit cognitive performance in individuals with anxiety, highlighting their potential to support mental health through targeted dietary interventions acting via the gut.”
Curious to find out more about gut health trends, GOS and functional foods? Check out this article where we share more about formulating with GOS.
As a leader in prebiotics with unparalleled application capabilities, we’ve developed a range of application suggestions featuring our galacto-oligosaccharides to help brands tap into the gut-brain axis, and more.
The gut-brain axis is the communication network between the gut and the brain, involving neural, hormonal, and immune pathways. It plays a crucial role in mood, cognition and emotional well-being.
Galacto-oligosaccharides feed beneficial gut bacteria, improving the gut microbiota composition. This supports neurotransmitter production like GABA, which helps regulate mood and reduce anxiety.
Common gut-brain axis ingredients include GOS, probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and polyphenols – all known for supporting both gut and brain function.
A diet rich in fibre, fermented foods and plant-based nutrients promotes a healthy microbiota. This, in turn, enhances communication along the gut-brain axis, improving mental well-being.
Consumers are increasingly seeking functional foods with proven benefits for gut health and mental health. Prebiotics like GOS are leading this trend, supported by growing clinical research.
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